Sunni

Definition

Sunni refers to the largest branch of Islam, encompassing the beliefs and practices of the majority of Muslims worldwide. Sunnis follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as recorded in the Hadith and emphasize the importance of community consensus in interpreting Islamic law. This branch plays a significant role in shaping ideological and religious factors that contribute to various international conflicts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sunni Muslims make up approximately 85-90% of the global Muslim population, making them the largest sect in Islam.
2. The split between Sunni and Shia Islam originated from a disagreement over the rightful successor to Prophet Muhammad after his death in 632 CE.
3. Sunni Islam places a strong emphasis on the concept of ijma, or community consensus, which helps guide interpretations of Islamic law and governance.
4. Major Sunni schools of thought include Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali, each offering different interpretations and practices within Sunni Islam.
5. Conflicts between Sunni and Shia groups have historically contributed to tensions in regions like Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, influencing broader geopolitical dynamics.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of ijma influence Sunni interpretations of Islamic law and community governance?
  • Ijma refers to the consensus among Islamic scholars or the Muslim community regarding legal interpretations. In Sunni Islam, this principle allows for a more democratic approach to governance and law-making, enabling diverse opinions within the community while maintaining unity. This emphasis on collective decision-making can lead to different practices across regions, reflecting local customs and traditions while remaining anchored in core Islamic teachings.
• Discuss the historical factors that led to the split between Sunni and Shia Islam and how these divisions manifest in contemporary conflicts.
  • The split between Sunni and Shia Islam began shortly after the death of Prophet Muhammad when disputes arose over who should lead the Muslim community. Sunnis believed in elected leadership through consensus, while Shia Muslims advocated for leadership through Muhammad's family line. These foundational differences have led to deep-rooted sectarian tensions that can be seen today in various conflicts across the Middle East, where Sunni and Shia communities often find themselves on opposing sides.
• Evaluate how Sunni beliefs and practices contribute to both internal Muslim dynamics and external international relations.
  • Sunni beliefs emphasize community consensus and interpretation, which fosters a diverse landscape within Islam that includes multiple schools of thought. This diversity can lead to internal debates but also creates avenues for cooperation among different Sunni groups. Externally, Sunni-majority nations may form alliances or engage in conflicts based on shared religious identity, impacting international relations with non-Muslim states. The dynamics within Sunni Islam can thus shape not only intra-religious interactions but also geopolitical alliances and tensions.

Related terms

Shia:

Shia is the second-largest branch of Islam, which believes that leadership should have remained within the Prophet Muhammad's family, specifically through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali.

Caliphate: The Caliphate is a form of Islamic government led by a caliph, who is considered the political and religious successor to Muhammad, with Sunnis historically recognizing a series of caliphs as legitimate leaders.

Hadith: Hadith are the recorded sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, which serve as important sources of guidance for Sunni Muslims in addition to the Quran.